Australia's professional footballers' union has vowed to retain all of its staff during the coronavirus pandemic. With the A-League, and all other levels of football in Australia, suspended Professional Footballers Australia says maintaining its service will be vital during the COVID-19 crisis. "It is critical that our members know that our support for them during this period is not only intact but will be amplified," PFA chief executive John Didulica said. "It is our intention to increase our funding to player wellbeing and increase our legal support to players in Australia and to Australian players around the world." Already the PFA has threatened to take legal action against Perth Glory owner Tony Sage after he stood down the A-League club's entire playing squad and staff over the weekend. Approximately half of the A-League's contracted players are facing unemployment at the end of May when their contracts expire. As well as maintaining staffing levels, the PFA has expanded its mental health support network to offer assistance to the dozens of football staff across the country that have been either laid off or stood down since government restrictions were implemented across Australia. The extension will include all professional referees as well as any staff that had been working in member federations and need support. Australian Associated Press

PFA vows to retain staff amid virus crisis

CEO John Didulica and the PFA will remain in tact to offer Australia's soccer fraternity support.

Australia's professional footballers' union has vowed to retain all of its staff during the coronavirus pandemic.

With the A-League, and all other levels of football in Australia, suspended Professional Footballers Australia says maintaining its service will be vital during the COVID-19 crisis.

"It is critical that our members know that our support for them during this period is not only intact but will be amplified," PFA chief executive John Didulica said.

"It is our intention to increase our funding to player wellbeing and increase our legal support to players in Australia and to Australian players around the world."

Already the PFA has threatened to take legal action against Perth Glory owner Tony Sage after he stood down the A-League club's entire playing squad and staff over the weekend.

Approximately half of the A-League's contracted players are facing unemployment at the end of May when their contracts expire.

As well as maintaining staffing levels, the PFA has expanded its mental health support network to offer assistance to the dozens of football staff across the country that have been either laid off or stood down since government restrictions were implemented across Australia.

The extension will include all professional referees as well as any staff that had been working in member federations and need support.